http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/andre-jacque-hunched-s5.jpgLegislative Republicans in Madison choose political games over their constituents, refuse to even debate the legislation which would bring Wisconsin an additional $1.6 billion in federal dollars.

Expanding BadgerCare means economic opportunity in Wisconsin, say Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday.

MADISON - On Tuesday, Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) and members of the Assembly Democratic Caucus voiced support for Governor Tony Evers’ special session on expanding BadgerCare. Together, they urged state lawmakers to vote in favor of BadgerCare expansion and bring an additional $1 billion in federal funds to Wisconsin.

“I applaud Gov. Evers for calling a special session to expand BadgerCare in Wisconsin and I urge my legislative colleagues to act now,” said Rep. Hintz. “BadgerCare expansion is widely supported in Wisconsin, and has been adopted in thirty-eight states across the nation, including every single one of our neighboring states here in the Midwest. The people of Wisconsin shouldn’t be punished due to some stubborn and mindless political exercise that has gone on too long and cost taxpayers too much money. Let’s do what is best for our state and get BadgerCare expansion across the finish line in this special session.”

While legislative Republicans have indicated they plan to gavel in and out of special session without voting to expand BadgerCare, Assembly Democrats highlighted the unique one-time opportunity before Wisconsin under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides that Wisconsin will receive $1 billion in one-time federal funding if the state expand BadgerCare.

Rep. Daniel Riemer (D-Milwaukee) added, “By expanding BadgerCare, not only will we make more than 90,000 residents eligible for more affordable and accessible health care and save the state millions of dollars, we will bring in an extra $1 billion in federal funds that can be invested into Wisconsin’s economic recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges in Wisconsin, which could be addressed with this extra federal funding. Now is the time to take action and invest in our economic recovery.”

Rep. Sara Rodriguez (D-Brookfield) commented, “I am pleased that Gov. Evers has proposed investing this extra $1 billion federal dollars across Wisconsin, including in districts like mine. In my district alone, the Children’s Research Institute will get resources to advance pediatric medical research and Versiti Blood Research Institute will receive funding to expand research activities in the areas of blood cancers and immunology. Gov. Evers’ plan is smart, strategic, and clearly makes sense for my constituents and the people of our great state. But if we don’t expand BadgerCare, they simply won’t happen.”

Concluded Rep. Hintz, “Wisconsin has essentially been handed a $1 billion dollar lottery ticket. The only acceptable answer is to cash it by expanding BadgerCare, and then invest it in our economic recovery.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/unemployment-office-line-s5.pngSen. Smith writes about recent legislative efforts to prematurely end unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed Wisconsinites.

Minkens was chosen for this role by the End Domestic Abuse WI Board and an executive search committee, appointment effective May 24, 2021.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-restaurant-owner-s5.jpgEvers' proposal calls for reinvesting BadgerCare expansion cost savings into economic development projects across the state.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/internet-apps-s5.jpgApplications for largest single round of broadband investment in Wisconsin history available on June 1, 2021

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/healthcare-family-dr-s5.jpgCongress must put Healthcare over Wealthcare say Wisconsin advocacy groups.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wi-fair-maps-20210517-s5.jpgSpeakers celebrate nonpartisan and transparent redistricting legislation to end gerrymandering.

MADISON - Wisconsin State Representatives Kristina Shelton (D-Green Bay), Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton), and Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) will host an in-person listening session to hear from northeast Wisconsin residents and highlight Democratic legislative priorities for Wisconsin. Representatives Kristina Shelton, Lee Snodgrass, and Gordon Hintz issued the following statement:

“We are excited to announce an in-person budget listening session to hear from residents about how Governor Tony Evers' Badger Bounceback Budget will impact their lives and communities. We are eager to hear from constituents, advocates, and stakeholders alike about the challenges they face and the ways in which Governor Evers’ Badger Bounceback Budget will affect them.”

The in-person listening session will be held at 6:30 PM, Wednesday May 19th at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay. Local public health department guidance regarding COVID-19 will be followed.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voting-2020-538-s5.jpgSen. Jeff Smith and Rep. Deb Andraca write about the Fair Maps Bill they are introducing on May 17th to create a nonpartisan redistricting reform process in Wisconsin.